The Rodgers Performance Race Team (Ok not really a team as it was me, Becky D and Joe from Rodgers Chevrolet) joined 3 Balls racing at Grattan this past Saturday. I brought my 1LE and worked with Becky D in her ZL1. (see notes below) I do need to exend a special thanks to Joe/Becky at Rodgers Chevrolet for allowing me to drive/use their truck and trailer as we by far had the coolest rig at the track which also doubled as a kick-ass viewing stand. (see pics).

When I ran the car a week after I got it in May I had Motul 600 and -1.3FR / -1.0 RR camber only

Lap time in May 2013 : 1:31.47 (1 Glory lap, Consistent 1:32.xxx)

Lap time in Sept 2013 : 1:30.22 (Consistent 1:30.xx all day)

So the car is 1.2x seconds faster, but about 2 seconds faster consistently overall.

Pedders Springs I think the biggest question we all should have is should I lower my 1LE or change the suspension....My answer is ?????? Until Pedders post spring rates I am going to go on record and state the rates appear to be very close to stock spring rates. The car appears to have all of the same handling characteristics of a stock 1LE so there were no issues with them at all. Overall I like the look and ride of the Pedders on the car and because it isn't any slower nor do they have any ill effects on the car they will stay for the time being (I may swap the rear springs to the slightly taller Pedders in the rear)

Intake and brake ducts???? I tried some laps hitting 131 and 132 on the straight before hitting the brakes but I was seriously puckering in the braking zone (there is no run off ). Do I think these items help? Sure, I guess....but I don't attribute either to the reduced lap time.

So why was the car roughly 2 second faster overall?...SEAT TIME. Honestly I had the car about 1.5 weeks before I tracked it the first time at Grattan and I was a little hesitant in pushing it too hard. I now have 5500 miles on it and many laps on different tracks behind the wheel. I was way more comfortable with it and this past weekend I was pushing the car harder.

ON A SIDE NOTE: I "talked" Becky into coming out to the track this year and offered to work with her/instruct. Her very first time at an HPDE was in May at Grattan. She has run 2 times at Gingerman and then this past weekend at Grattan. Becky ran a 2:09 the first time out in May at Grattan......she just ran a 1:38 this past weekend!!!! Not too bad for a 1st year driver. Nice job Becky!....

Enjoy the Pictures: FYI Black background lap picture is from MAY....White is from Sept to see the MPH differences

Congrats! Pretty awesome, shaving 2 seconds off of your average lap and 1.2 seconds off of your record. I like the fact that the springs aren't over the top stiff, lower the CG, and perform very well at the track. I took a look at Fastestlaps for Grattan, your times are impressive!

I did take the plunge on the Pedders Supercar Coilovers, and it looks like the springs you are running performed very well and for a lot less cash. I'll be tracking it at Thunderhill on 9/21-9/22 and will be sure to give my impressions. Unfortunately I just got my lap time software so I'll have track times with the Pedders, but not the baseline with my stock 1LE.

Thanks for the post, love to see these 1LEs driven the way they were intended to. Also neat to hear that Becky's lap times are improving dramatically, must be fun to instruct (although scary at times I'm sure, depending upon the track and student, LOL)

Congrats! Pretty awesome, shaving 2 seconds off of your average lap and 1.2 seconds off of your record. I like the fact that the springs aren't over the top stiff, lower the CG, and perform very well at the track. I took a look at Fastestlaps for Grattan, your times are impressive!

I did take the plunge on the Pedders Supercar Coilovers, and it looks like the springs you are running performed very well and for a lot less cash. I'll be tracking it at Thunderhill on 9/21-9/22 and will be sure to give my impressions. Unfortunately I just got my lap time software so I'll have track times with the Pedders, but not the baseline with my stock 1LE.

Thanks for the post, love to see these 1LEs driven the way they were intended to. Also neat to hear that Becky's lap times are improving dramatically, must be fun to instruct (although scary at times I'm sure, depending upon the track and student, LOL)

thank you, the Corvette Grand Sport is not a bad bed fellow

And yes, I am very particular about whose car I get in now-a-days.....I have a good friend that was in a students car at Mid-Ohio and took a hard hit to the wall....He had an ambulance ride out of there and has a fused section of his neck as a reminder :(

This is probably a dumb question for you seasoned road race guys, but why drive with the windows down? Is it a rule or a preference. When we drag raced the 1969, windows were always up. Why the deference?

This is probably a dumb question for you seasoned road race guys, but why drive with the windows down? Is it a rule or a preference. When we drag raced the 1969, windows were always up. Why the deference?

It's a rule at every track day I've been to. It's a safety consideration along with having to wear long pants etc. Makes it easier to get out in the event of an accident.

Windows down is a rule so they can get to you if there is an incident. "Real" race cars use window nets. In drag racing the biggest chance for a failure and then flying parts is at the launch when you are side by side. I assume the glass will deflect or and least slow down the projectile???

I run the stock seat and belt right now with a heavy left foot on the dead pedal. I will not run a harness without a rollbar but that is just from seeing too many on track incidents. A good seat will work just as well as harness in a street car application.